| academicism |
in the arts, rigid adherence to accepted and traditional forms. |
| Byzantine |
characterized by complexity and intrigue. |
| desiccate |
to remove the moisture in (food) so as to preserve it. |
| deter |
to stop or discourage from some action by creating doubt or fear. |
| epicure |
a person who has cultivated tastes, as in food or wine; connoisseur. |
| germane |
having relevance to a given matter; pertinent; significant. |
| gird |
to surround, bind, or encircle, as with a belt. |
| glabrous |
having no hair or fuzz; bald; smooth. |
| lapidary |
an expert on or dealer in gemstones. |
| linguistics |
(used with a singular verb) the scientific and historical study of the form and structure of human language. |
| maverick |
a person who thinks and behaves independently, especially one who refuses to adhere to the orthodoxy of the group to which he or she belongs. |
| recant |
to withdraw from commitment to (a former position or statement), especially publicly; retract. |
| sanctimony |
a pretense of righteousness or piety; feigned devotion or holiness. |
| spurn |
to reject, refuse, or treat with scorn; disdain; despise. |
| vitiate |
to harm the quality of; mar; spoil. |